Bible Pathways 11/22/2003
November 22
Read Romans 11 -- 13
In Today's Reading:
Israel still to be saved; duties of a Christian in personal life, in the Church, in society, toward government
To be a Christian is to receive a new nature — the nature of God. You must be born again (John 3:7). Then the indwelling Holy Spirit enables us to let Christ control our lives instead of our controlling our own lives under our old master Satan.
It is only reasonable that we should live each day manifesting Christ's resurrection life, free from Satan's control. The Apostle Paul wrote: Present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service. And be not conformed to this world: but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God (Romans 12:1-2).
As we read through the Bible and obey it, God's Word becomes our spiritual food and our source of strength and spiritual insight to accomplish His will. Just as physical food is assimilated into our bodies to provide good health and physical strength, so the indwelling Holy Spirit strengthens our spiritual lives through His Word that we might be healthy in our spiritual lives. The Holy Spirit alone can guide you into all truth (John 16:13). However, He will not guide us into all truth if we refuse to read all truth from Genesis through Revelation. We are either a slave to sin and under the influence of Satan or a child of God and captive of His control over our lives. This is true freedom. The Word of God enlightens, then empowers us to overcome our former way of life. Know the Truth, and the Truth shall make you free (John 8:32).
We daily live in the midst of many voices calling for our attention. We will always be tempted to satisfy our self-serving, fleshly desires. We also need to daily be on guard against allowing "good things," or even "good people," to occupy our time and keep us from the best God has for us. Life is far too short to allow material possessions and the desire for worldly accomplishments to dominate our lives. Our opportunities to serve the Lord and to be prepared to meet Him will soon end. See then that you walk circumspectly (carefully), not as fools, but as wise, Redeeming the time, because the days are evil (Ephesians 5:15-16).
Word Studies:
11:14 emulation = jealousy; 12:9 dissimulation = hypocrisy; 13:13 chambering and wantonness = sexual indulgence and unbridled lust, immorality and indecency.
Cross References:
For Romans 11:3: See I Kings 19:10,14. Romans 11:4: See I Kings 19:18. Romans 11:8: See Isaiah 29:10. Romans 11:9-10: See Psalm 69:22-23. Romans 11:26-27: See Isaiah 59:20-21; Jeremiah 31:33. Romans 11:34: See Isaiah 40:13. Romans 11:35: See Job 41:11. Romans 12:19: See Deuteronomy 32:35. Romans 12:20: See Proverbs 25:21-22. Romans 13:9: See Exodus 20:13-17; Leviticus 19:18.
Prayer Needs:
Pray for Youth With A Mission/Nashville · Country: Croatia (5 million) in southeastern Europe · Major language: Serbo-Croatian · Religious freedom · 73% Roman Catholic; 15% Serbian Orthodox; 5% Muslim · Prayer Suggestion: Humbly kneel before the Lord with a contrite heart as you pray (Ezra 9:5-6).
Memory Verse for the Week: Galatians 5:23
